Rimjhim Sinha Sales Manager The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel Mumbai +91 22 6665 1052 [email protected] www.tajhotels.com ITINERARY-Bombay-Pune-Hyderabad-Madras-Bangalore-Goa
18 Days
Day 01:
Arrive Mumbai from Abroad. Transfer to The Taj Mahal Hotel Mumbai / Taj President
and overnight.
Day 02:
Morning depart for Half day excursion of Elephanta. A Mute testimony of the Golden
Age in Indian History during the Gupta Period and built to honour Lord Shiva. Elephanta is a 03Km long
elaborated island, consisting of two hills separated by a valley. The cave with rock cut figures and
carvings are believed to be carved by the sculptors of Ajanta or Udaygiri.
Afternoon leave for City Tour of Mumbai - It includes a visit to the Gateway of India erected to
commemorate the landing of King George 5th and Queen Mary in 1911,Prince of Wales Museum,
Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, Hanging Gardens, Crawford Market, Victoria Terminus and the Mani
Bhavan. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03:
Day free for Independent activities and shopping. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04:
Early morning transfer to Mumbai Central Railway Station to take Shatabdi Express
(2027) for Pune. Dep: 06:40 hrs. and Arr: 10:05 hrs. Transfer to Blue Diamond Hotel. In the afternoon
leave for Half Day Tour of Pune. Visit the Aga Khan Palace, The Bund Garden, Chaturshingri Temple,
Snake Park, Shaniwar Wada, University Building and the Yoga Institute. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05:
Depart for full day return trip to Karla & Bhaja Caves. Dating back to the 2nd Century
BC, The Monuments at Karla are one of the oldest Buddhist shrines in India. The Magnificent Chaitya
Hall is the Largest and most evolved example of its class. The 03 most important features are the
Pillars, The Roof Vault and the great Sun Window. There are 37 Columns in all. This is the only place in
India where 2000 years old woodwork can be seen. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06:
Afternoon depart to the Railway Station to take Hyderabad Express (7031) to
Hyderabad. Dep:16:40 hrs. and Arr: 06:05 hrs. (Overnight in the train).
Day 07:
Transfer to Taj Krishna Hotel / Taj Residency / Taj Banjara.
Afternoon depart for half Day tour of Hyderabad. The Centre of Muslim Culture and learning,
Hyderabad evokes the great days of it's past though it's historical monuments. Visit the Charminar The symbol of Hyderabad, Meena Masjid, Birla Temple, Hussain Sagar and the remarkable Salarjung
Museum. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08:
Depart for full day return trip to Nagarjuna Konda. Earlier called as Vijaypuri in Ancient
times it is an important Buddhist site located 150 Kms from Hyderabad. It is names after Buddhist saint
Acarya Nagarjuna and reveals one of the most outstanding civilizations of the 03rd Century AD. A
replica of the excavated site has been created and carefully preserved on an island known as
Nagarjuna Konda. The Excavations have brought to light the Mahachaityas, the most sacred of the
Supas. An inscription in Brahmi characters states that the relics of Buddha lie within the Mahachaitya.
Tools of the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages can also be found there. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09:
Morning free for independent activities. Afternoon depart to the railway station to take
Charminar Express (2760) Dep: 18:00 and Arr: 07:55 or Chennai Express (7054) Dep: 15:50 and
Arr:05:55 (overnight in the train)
Day 10:
Transfer to Taj Coromandel / Taj Connemara Hotel.
Afternoon depart for Half day tour of Chennai. Visit the Marina Beach - Second longest Beach in the
world, it is an elegant promenade, the Fort St. George - the 1st foothold of the British Empire in India,
Covelong Beach etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11:
Depart for full day return trip to Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram.
Mahabalipuram: 61Kms away from Chennai, it is well known for its marvelous monuments created by
the Pallava Kings. The Shore Temple, Monolithic rathas (Chariots), Caves, Mandapams and Arjuna's
Penance, a sculptural panel is worth seeing.
Kanchipuram: 71Kms away from Chennai, it is known as the Golden City of a Thousand temples. It was
once a capital of the Pallava Dynasty. It is one of the seven sacred cities of India. Adi Shankaracharya
established his Episcopal seat here. The Vaikuntha perumal Temple, Kailashnath Temple,
Ekambareshwara temple and Sri Kamakshi Temple are worth visiting. Overnight at hotel or maybe
choose to stay on the Fisherman’s Cove in Covelong..
Day 12:
Day free for Independent activities. Evening depart to the Railway station to take
Bangalore Mail (6007) to Bangalore. Dep: 22:15 and Arr: 04:50 or the Mysore Express Dep: 22:45 and
Arr: 05:55. (overnight in train).
Day 13:
Transfer to Taj West End / Taj Residency Hotel. Afternoon depart for half day Tour of
Bangalore. Termed as the fastest growing city in India, hailed as the Air-conditioned and Garden City of
India, Bangalore delights the visitors by its charm and beauty. Visit the Lalbagh, Gole temple, The
Government Building, Visheshwara Museum and the Ulsoor Lake. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14:
Morning depart by surface to Mysore. On arrival check in at Hotel. Afternoon leave for
City Tour of and around Mysore.
The Royal City, the jewel of Karnataka, the Sandalwood city, Mysore is a Magnificent Tourist paradise.
It has gorgeous palaces, beautiful parks, wonderful Museums and art galleries. Visit the Mysore Palace,
Chamundi Hills, Lalitha Mahal palace, Zoological garden etc.
Around Mysore.
Krishnarajasagar Dam & the Brindavan Gardens - The world famous Brindavan Gardens on the
terraces of the KRS Dam across the river Cauvery is a meticulously planned garden which comes alive
in a burst of dazzling colours when the dancing fountain lends it an enchanting view.
Srirangapatna - It was the island fortress of Tipu Sultan and is a mute witness to the days of chivalry
and valour of the age. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 15:
Morning depart by surface to Chikmagalur with enroute visit to Sravanbelgola, Belur &
Halebid.
Sravanbelgola - A great centre for Jain culture, it is situated at a distance of 100 kms from Mysore. It is
famous for the colossal 17 Metre high statue of Gomateshwara (Bahubali) carved out of a monolithic
stone. The place attained historical importance when Chandragupta Maurya settled here in 3rd Century
BC. There are also Jain Monasteries.
Belur & Halebid - The Hoysala Dynasty built more than 150 temples, each a masterpiece. The Temples
of Belur & Halebid are hailed as "Nectar in Stone". They surpass some of the world's well-known
creations in their beauty and execution. Overnight at Taj Garden Retreat Chikmagalur.
Day 16:
Transfer from Chikmagalur to Bangalore to connect flight 9W 3515 to Goa. On arrival
transfer to Taj Exotica / Fort Aguada Beach Resort / Taj Holiday Village. Rest of the day free for
Independent activities. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 17:
Morning depart for Half day tour of Goa.
A former Portuguese colony, it still retains a Latin atmosphere heightened by white washed Churches,
Taverns and Pubs. miles of virgin unspoilt Beaches and Bougainvilleas nestled on the silver shores of
the Arabia Sea makes Goa an irresistible place.
Visit the Se Cathedral Church, which is the largest church in Asia and the Basilica of Bom Jesus which
houses the relics of St. Francis Xavier, which is an international pilgrim, centre. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 18:
Day free for relaxation and Beach activities.
Day 19:
Depart to Airport / Railway station for onward destination.
SUGGESTED TAMIL NADU ITINERARY
CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM – KANCHIPURAM – MADURAI (4 NIGHTS / 5
DAYS)
DAY 1:
CHENNAI
Touchdown at Chennai Airport. Check in to Taj Coromandel Hotel OR Taj
Connemara
Morning:
Is at leisure
Afternoon: Proceed on a visit of Chennai
Start the tour with a visit of Fort St. George, which is presently the Secretariat
and the Legislative Assembly. The museum within has a fascinating collection
of memorabilia from the days of the East India Company of the British Raj.
Around the walls hang many paintings of Fort St. George's Governors and
other officials of the British regime. Visit St. Mary's Church built in 1678 and was
the first English Church and is the today the oldest surviving British construction
in India. Robert Clive was married here in 1753, as well as Elihu Yale, one of
the governors of Chennai who subsequently founded the famous university
bearing the name in the USA. Visit the High Court building, which is said to be
largest judicial building in the world after the courts of London. Visit the
Government Museum and Art Gallery in which the Archeological section and
the Bronze Gallery are most interesting. This building originally belonged to a
group of eminent British citizens known as the Pantheon committee who were
charged with improving the social life of the British in Chennai. Drive on to the
Kapaleshwara Temple, which is a Shiva Temple. Drive past the Marina Beach,
which is said to be the second longest in the world.
Overnight at Taj Coromandel or Taj Connemara Hotel
DAY 2:
CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM
Morning:
Drive to Mahabalipuram (50 kms/ 1 hr 30 mins.), the dream world
of Tamil art that awes even the uninitiated. Here is an open-air museum of
sculpture in living rock, which has no parallel in the world. The piece-deresistance of this monumental art exhibition is undoubtedly Arjuna’s Penance
or the Descent of the Ganga, the world’s largest bas-relief, 764 ft by 288 ft
and one of the major masterpieces of Indian art. It is a beautiful composition
of hundreds of celestial beings, humans and animals, all hurrying to a natural
rock cleft that divides the giant stone canvas. Dominating the scene is a 16 ft
long elephant leading a procession of elephants to the scene of the
penance by the cleft, where Arjuna stands on one leg to propitiate Lord
Shiva to help him win back the Pandava kingdom.
Proceed toward the Shore Temple, which is the best-known landmark of
Mahabalipuram. Standing by the sea, this twin-spire is pure poetry in granite
in its perfect proportions and wealth of sculpture. It is also unique in that it
includes shrines for both Shiva and Vishnu in repose.
Also visit the other wonders at Mahabalipuram, which are the Mandapams,
where each cave is scooped from a hillside of solid rock and ornamented
with pillars and sculptured panels that are an integral part of the excavation,
and the five rathams, monolithic rock-cut shrines that have inspired
generations of South Indian temple builders. Overnight at Fisherman’s Cove.
DAY 3:
MAHABALIPURAM - KANCHIPURAM – CHENNAI
Afternoon: After lunch at Fisherman’s Cove, drive to Kanchipuram (86 kms / 1
½ hrs) the “golden town of a thousand temples” which has about 125
officially recognized shrines, all of them centuries old. Dating back to the
Cholas of 200 BC, Kanchipuram was successively the capital of the Cholas,
the Pallavas and the Rayas of Vijayanagara.
Suggest a stop at the Kailashnath Temple, which is over 1,000 years old and is
a Pallava creation dedicated to Lord Shiva. The narrow cells linking its
courtyards have paintings and sculptures dating back to the 7th and 8th
centuries, narrating the story of Shiva. Proceed to visit Ekambareswar Temple
which is a fairly new temple dating back to the 16th century. It is the largest of
the Shiva temples and sprawls over 20 acres and more. It has a magnificent
100-pillared hall and a towering Gopuram at almost 6000 feet it is one of the
tallest in South India. Our last stop is a the Varadarajaswamy Temple with
beautiful pavilions in its courtyard, a splendid 100 pillars hall that is a work of
art and a 100 foot tall seven storey Gopuram of rare beauty. Some of the
most beautiful sculptures in all Kanchipuram are found in this temple
Later return to Chennai (68 kms/2 hrs) OR Overnight at Fisherman’s Cove.
Dinner at the hotel
DAY 4:
CHENNAI – MADURAI
Morning:
Fly Chennai / Madurai (depending on flight visit)
Afternoon: Check-in to the Taj Garden Retreat, Madurai
Late evening, proceed to the Meenakshi Temple to witness the night temple
ceremony, which starts at 2100 hrs. The Meenakshi temple is probably the
biggest in India. It is believed that there are 33 million sculptures in the temple.
The main deity in this temple is not Shiva, but his consort Meenakshi.
Overnight at Taj Garden Retreat, Madurai
DAY 5:
MADURAI
Morning: A visit to the fascinating fruit, flower and vegetable market.
OTHER SUGGESTED ROUTES
From Madurai a visit to Kerala – God’s Own Country (refer Kerala itineraries).
From Kerala a visit Northwards to Karnataka (refer Karnataka itineraries)
SUGGESTED KARNATAKA ITINERARY
CHENNAI – COVELONG – CHENNAI – MADURAI – THEKKADY – KUMARAKOM –
COCHIN - BANGALORE – MYSORE – CHIKMAGALUR – MYSORE –OOTY –
COONOOR - BANGALORE/CHENNAI/MUMBAI
DAY 1
COCHIN - BANGALORE
Morning: Transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangalore. On arrival at
Bangalore check-in to Taj West End or Taj Residency. After breakfast,
proceed for a visit of Bangalore
Your visit of Bangalore begins with a visit to the building which houses the
Secretariat and the State Legislature, drive to the Cubbon Park, which was
laid out in 1864. Visit the Government museum one of the oldest in India
established in 1886. Drive on to the Botanical Gardens, which contains many
centuries’ old trees, lakes and ponds, and has one of the largest collection of
rare tropical and sub - tropical plants in India. Visit the Bull Temple, one of
Bangalore's oldest temples which contains a huge monolithic statue of the
Nandi Bull.
Afternoon: After lunch at your hotel and a short siesta, set out to explore
Bangalore – the city of Gardens. Proceed on a shopping spree and later in
the evening set out to experience the night-life of this charming city.
DAY 2
BANGALORE - CHIKMAGALUR
Morning:
An early breakfast in Bangalore and then a 5-hour drive to
Chikmagalur. Perched on the gentle slopes of the Sahyadri Range, the Taj
Garden Retreat is just 6 km. from the coffee town of Chikmagalur. A holiday
destination bathed in verdant greenery and punctuated with all the
trimmings of a superb resort.
Afternoon: Drive to visit Belur and Halebid
Belur, situated on the banks of the river Belur used to be the capital of the
Hoysala empire over 800 years ago. Its glorious memories are reflected in the
Chennakeshava Temple built in 1116 AD and it took 103 years to complete.
The façade of the building is intricately carved with sculptures and friezes and
the inside is even more richly carved on its panels and pillars. Around the
base are the carvings of 650 elephants, each in a different size. If you were to
insert a thread into the pupil of an eye on one of the sculptures, it would
emerge through the nose. If you were to suspend a taut string from the
forehead of a dancer it will fall straight to an uplifted toe. The temple was
built to commemorate a Hoysala king’s victory in battle. The Veeranarayan
Temple close by has exquisite carvings of various Hindu Gods. Around the
temple are several shrines.
Halebid - literally means "old capital" which it was during the reign of the
Hoysalas at which time it was known as Dwarasamudram or "gateway to the
sea". After it was sacked by the Delhi Sultanate it came to be know as
Halebid. The magnificent Hoysaleswara Temple is very similar to the one at
Belur. A Nandi bull, the mount of Lord Shiva, stands guard at the entrance.
This temple is about 800 years old. Overnight at Taj Garden Retreat,
Chikmagalur.
DAY 3
MYSORE
Morning:
After an early breakfast frive on to Mysore (115 kms / 3 ½ hours).
Visit of the City Palace and Museum, Chamundi Hill. City tour will include a
visit to the Maharaja’s Palace topped with a shining brass - plated dome
surmounting a single tower. Designed by Henry Irwin, the British consultant
architect of Madras state, it was completed in 1912. Nearby, behind the main
palace building but within the same compound, a small museum run by the
royal family shows paintings from the Thanjavur and Mysore schools, some
inlaid with precious stones and gold leaf. Continue to Chamundi Hill, which is
topped with a 12th Century temple of Durga, or the Goddess of Chamundi,
the figure of which is in solid gold. The magnificent 5 metre Nandi, carved
from a single piece of granite in 1659, is one of the largest in India. Visit the
Devaraja market, one of India’s most colorful fruit and vegetable markets.
Afternoon: Proceed on a tour of Srirangapatnam and Somnathpur
At Srirangapatna, 14 kms from Mysore, stand the ruins of Hyder Ali and Tipu
Sultan's capital from which they ruled much of south India during the 18th
century. The extensive ramparts and battlements and some gates still stand.
The dungeon where Tipu held some British prisoners is still preserved. Within the
fortress walls, is a mosque and a temple that has a black stone image of the
sleeping Vishnu. Close by is Tipu's summer palace which is now a museum
and his mausoleum.
We proceed to Somnathpur to see the Prasanna Cheennakesava Temple
built in 1268 AD. The walls of the star - shaped temple are covered with
superb sculptures from the epics Mahabharata, Ramayana and the holy
book of the Hindus, the Bhagavadgita. Overnight at Mysore.
DAY 4
MYSORE – OOTY
Morning:
After breakfast, drive to Ooty (158 km/ 6 hrs)
The Nilgiri Hills are a captivating terrain where Ooty, a hill station founded by the
British in the early part of the 19th century to serve as the summer headquarters
of the Government of Chennai, is perched at an altitude of 2286 m. Famed for
its salubrious climate, it boasts of a botanical garden and & pretty English styled
cottages. Founded in 1819 by John Sullivan, the former Collector of Coimbatore
who was the first European to build his house there, Ooty continues to retain
some of the old world charm. Landscaped over 22 hectares, its Botanical
Gardens (laid out 120 years ago) are covered with blossoming trees, shrubs and
colorful flowerbeds. There is a fossilized tree, a crescent shaped lily pond, a
bandstand, a conservatory and fountain terraces. On the top of the slope is a
Toda village where the tribe & their art of weaving is preserved Miles of
undulating green downs offer golf or just the pleasure of a walk. The main
reminders of the British period, are the stone churches, the Botancial Gardens
and a boarding school for boys. The best way to explore Ooty is on foot. There
are a number of long walks, and some superb views. The town’s general
approach is a strange combination of Southern England and Australia with
single - storied stone cottages, fenced flower gardens, winding lanes with tall
Eucalyptus trees. Many areas and roads still have British names such as Charing
Cross, Love Dale.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Savoy Hotel.
DAY 5
OOTY – COONOOR
Morning:
Drive to Coonoor. Check-in to the Taj Garden Retreat, Coonoor.
Afternoon: After lunch a short tour around this scenic hill-station. Coonoor is
surrounded by hills and slopes of tea with old colonial houses. Tea auctions
are held here. Visit Sim's park, the lake, the waterfall, the Tiger Rock peak,
various picnic spots and walk through mountain trails. At leisure visit a tea
estate and also see the views from Lady Canning’s Seat and Dolphins Nose.
From Coonoor it is possible to ride the narrow gauge Nilgiri Blue Mountain
train down to Mettupalayam. Overnight at Taj Garden Retreat, Coonoor.
Day 6
Morning:
OOTY – BANGALORE
Drive to Bangalore (5 hrs. / 220 kms.)
Overnight in Bangalore or transfer to Mumbai / Delhi for
International return flight.
OTHER SUGGESTED ROUTES
From Mumbai a visit to Goa
From Mumbai a visit to North India (Udaipur – Jodhpur – Jaipur – Agra – Delhi)
From Delhi a visit to Jaipur – Agra – Khajuraho – Varanasi
Delhi – Agra - Jaipur – Jodhpur - Udaipur 8 night 9 days
Day 1: Delhi
Arrive into Delhi early morning and check in at TheTaj Mahal Hotel.
After brunch visit the magnificent Red Fort built of red sandstone within whose walls are marble
palaces and two grand chambers-the Diwan-i-Khas- the hall of private audience & the Diwan-i- Am –
the hall of public audience. Here the Moghul Emperors held court and this is where the Peacock
Throne once stood. Opposite the fort is the majestic Jama Masjid, with its black & white dome &
towering minarets. Climb up the steps to the vast marble courtyard where the “namaaz” (prayers) are
conducted 5 times a day. Drive past the Kotla Firoze Shah, ruins of an old fort-4th BC, see the Ashokan
Pillar of 3rd BC. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Delhi
Drive down the main avenue, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch- the India
Gate, pass the Presidential Palace-the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the secretariat buildings - the centre
of all government activity. Visit Humayun’s Tomb built in 1565 AD by his grieving widow Haji Begum,
the Qutub Minar, 72 metres high. In its grounds are the ruins of Quwat-ul-Eslam (Light of Islam)
Mosque and Delhi’s most curious antique, the uncoroded Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th
century AD. Visit the Birla (Laxmi Narayan) Temple, with its profusion of Gods & Goddess from the
Hindu pantheon. In the evening, visit the various arts and crafts emporiums and spend some time
shopping. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Agra
Leave for Agra early in the morning by road and check in to The Taj View Hotel. Or take the early
morning Shatabdi train. (dept 0600 hrs arr 0830 hrs). Visit the Taj Mahal - the greatest love story
ever told. On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, in wild extravagance, Shah Jehan built
her this memorial. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this poem of white marble and
precious stone.
Visit the Agra Fort - behind its foreboding red sandstone embattlements lie impressive buildings that
recount the story of the Mughal Empire. Therein are the Dewan-e-Am, where the Emperor sat on his
throne to dispense to his subjects and the Dewan-e-Khas where he received foreign dignitaries. Visit
the marble inlay works --an atelier cum showroom. The art is passed down from father to son over
centuries. Replicas of the exquisite workmanship of pietra-dura on the Taj Mahal are reproduced on
tabletops, marble boxes, lampshades, plaques and a wide variety of artefacts. An opportunity to watch
the workman displaying their skills as they set carnelian, malachite, lapis – lazuli, agate and other
semi-precious stones into marble. In the evening visit the local market to shop for marble souvenirs.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4: Jaipur
In the morning leave for the Pink City by road and check in at The Rambagh Palace Jaipur the
Pink city so named after the pink hued stone used in all the buildings. Visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of
Winds) an elaborate building encrusted with delicate honeycomb screens and carved balconies
from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could view the world outside. Jai Singh’s
Observatory built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who was also soldier, astronomer
and builder.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5: Jaipur
Visit the City Palace now a museum displaying fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare
manuscripts, royal costumes and an armoury. In the evening visit the city’s bazaar area.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6: Jodhpur
Leave for Jodhpur by air and check in at The Taj Hari Mahal Hotel.
Sightseeing in town. Visit Umaid Bhawan Museum and the sprawling Mandore Gardens. Also visit
the Meherangarh Fort. The high walls of the massive fort form a delightful contrast to the elegant
sandstone facades with their fine carvings inside the palace. Opposite the fort lies Jaswant Thada,
a memorial made of white marble, which was erected in 1899 to the memory of Jaswant Singh I.
Spend some time shopping at the city’s bazaar in the evening. Enjoy a Theme Dinner
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Udaipur
Leave for Udaipur by air and check into Taj Lake Palace Hotel. Visit the City palace, Jagdish
Temple – dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and Saheliyon – ki – Bari – the gardens of the maids – of –
honor. Spend some time in the city in the evenings. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8: Mumbai
Leave for Bombay by air and check into the The Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai
Afternoon city tour of Mumbai (Bombay) visiting Kamla Nehru park, Hanging gardens situated on
the slopes of Malabar hill offering a panoramic view of Marine drive and Chowpati beach, Prince of
Wales museum, Mani Bhawan, Dhobi ghat, Gateway of India and drive through the Crawford
market, Marine Drive and Flora Fountain. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 9: Depart for International flight.
ITINERARY
Chennai – The capital of the state of Tamil Nadu is a marvelous place to start
your voyage of discovery. It is a town steeped in tradition though the British
created it 350 years ago! So visit the Fort St. George, the St. Mary’s Church, the
splendid Marina Beach, the beautiful Kapaleshwarar Temple, the St. Thomas
Mount, where St. Thomas the Apostle was martyred, the National Art Gallery,
the San Thome Cathedral, the Parthasarathy Temple, Valluvar Kottam,
Cholamandalam, the artist’s village and Kalakshetra.
Mahabalipuram – Mahabalipuram, a charming beach resort named after the
Pallava King Narasimbavaram excavated many cave temples, the most
remarkable being the seven monolithic temples, each carved from a single
granite boulder standing on the sea shore. It comprises of a tiny village by the
sea, which is dwarfed by the awesome piece of Tamil art – a sculpture in living
rock. The ‘piece de resistance’ is Arjuna’s Penance or the Descent of the Ganga,
the world’s largest bas-relief, 764 ft. by 288 ft. (27m by 9m). It is an intricate
composition depicting hundreds of celestial beings both human and animals
hurrying towards a natural rock cleft in the rock that divides the giant stone. The
landmark of 12 centuries Mahabalipuram, is the twin spired Shore Temple in
granite which has withstood the constant lapping & lashing of the waves for
over.
Half day city tour including visit to Fort St. George, completed in 1653 and
today filled with reminders of the past, including St. Mary’s, the first church
consecrated on Indian soil. The National Art Gallery has many excellent bronzes
including the famous Chola period bronze Nataraja, the God Shiva, in the cosmic
dance pose. The Government Museum with its collection of sculptures and
architecture of the Dravidian dynasties. Drive along the Indian section of
Mylapore. Visit San Thome Basilica – the culmination of the enduring legend of
Thomas Didymus, the apostle who doubted and who is believed to have lived
and preached on Mylapore’s shores.
Continue to Kanchipuram to visit the 7th century Kailasantha Temple dedicated
to Shiva and the Vaikuntaperumal Temple dedicated to Vishnu. Kanchipuram is
also noted for its cotton dyeing and silk weaving.
Madurai – The morning drive to Madurai where life in this bustling pilgrimage
city is centered around the great Meenakshi Temple. In the afternoon visit this
living temple returning in the evening to witness the temple music. Stay
overnight at the Taj Garden Retreat, Madurai.
(Kerala)
Bangalore – The splendid cities of Bangalore and Mysore reflect the royal
heritage of Karnataka. Bangalore, the state capital is a lively cosmopolitan city
noted for its fine climate and extensive gardens. Visit the exquisite Hoysala
temples at Halebid and Belur not far from Bangalore.
Chikmagalur –
Perched on the gentle slopes of the Sahyadri Range, the Taj Garden Retreat is just
6 km. from the coffee town of Chikmagalur. A holiday destination bathed in
verdant greenery and punctuated with all the trimmings of a superb resort.
Coonoor –
Stay two nights at the Taj Garden Retreat. At leisure to may be visit a tea estate,
the Botanical Gardens in Ooty and Sims Park in Coonoor. In Coonoor also see
the views from Lady Canning’s Seat and Dolphins Nose. From Coonoor it may
be possible to ride the narrow gauge Nilgiri Blue Mountain train down to
Mettupalayam. To do this we would suggest an overnight stay in Coonoor.
Ooty – Half day city tour of Ooty.
The Nilgiri Hills are a captivating terrain where Ooty is perched at an altitude of
2286 m. Famed for its salubrious climate, it boasts of a botanical garden and &
pretty English styled cottages. Founded in 1819 by John Sullivan, the former
Collector of Coimbatore who was the first European to build his house there, Ooty
continues to retain some of the old world charm. Landscaped over 22 hectares, its
Botanical Gardens (laid out 120 years ago) are covered with blossoming trees,
shrubs and colorful flowerbeds. There is a fossilized tree, a crescent shaped lily
pond, a bandstand, a conservatory and fountain terraces. On the top of the slope is a
Toda village where the tribe & their art of weaving is preserved Miles of undulating
green downs offer golf or just the pleasure of a walk.
(Kerala)
Thekkady – After breakfast you will drive to Thekkady, which lies in the shade
of Cardomom Hills and is a beautiful area of tranquil winding roads, tea
gardens, rubber estates and plantations growing spices and coffee. You will be
booked to stay for an overnight stay. Later in the afternoon you will enjoy a boat
ride at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary known for herds of wild elephants and
spectacular bird life.
Kumarakom – You may wish to venture again early in the morning to the Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary. After breakfast you will travel today to Kumarakom and stay
at traditional Keralan resort of Coconut Lagoon, perched on the edge of the
narrow canals where the way of life has remained unchanged for centuries. The
afternoon will be at leisure to relax in the verdant settings of your hotel.
Full day will be at leisure and you may spend your time here relaxing by the
waterfront or optionally bird watching at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, or a
sunset cruise on a country boat or try the sumptuous Kerala cuisine. For the
ultimate experience try the Ayurvedic massage where body and mind are
brought to union with tranquil nature with the time tested, holistic Indian system
of therapies.
Cochin – You will arrive Cochin, known as the ‘Venice of the East’ where you
will be booked to stay for two nights. Kerala is the home of Indian dancing and
this evening in a local theatre you will enjoy one of its most riotous dances,
Kathakali. You will leave a little early to see the dancers apply brilliant colors
and make – up to their faces.
This morning you will see the Portuguese church of St. Francis, the Jewish
Synagogue of 1568 and Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese and
renovated by the Dutch. You will also see the huge Chinese Fishing nets a short
distance from the St. Francis Church/ rest of the afternoon will be free for
independent activities.
Varkala
Varkala is a seaside resort and spa. It is also an important Hindu center of
pilgrimage. The final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana
Guru, is near Varkala, atop a hill called Sivagiri. High cliffs with mineral springs
rise majestically from the coastline. According to a myth, sage Narada was
approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned. Narada
threw his valkkalam (cloth made from the bark of a tree) into the air, and the place
where it landed was subsequently named Varkala. The mendicants were directed
by Narada to offer their prayers in the newly created place by the seashore. The
place where they prayed for redemption, came to be known as the Papanasham
Beach (Papanasham means redemption from sins). The 2000 year old Sree
Janardhan Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Center are the two main
attractions here.
Trivandrum – Imagine a land of green magic – a land of gently swaying palms,
sparkling waters and unending paddy fields.
A land of benevolent sunshine, cocooned in the lyrical fragrances of a thousand
exotic blooms.
Imagine a land so blessed by nature it can only be God’s own country.
Overlooking the frothy, sapphire waters of the Arabian sea from its privileged
position on a cliff, 60 ft. high. Surrounded by lush paddy fields down below,
leading up to the kilometer long cove of shimmering white sand.
Bombay
Arrive Bombay, meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer hotel. Afternoon
city tour of Mumbai (Bombay) visiting Kamla Nehru park, Hanging gardens
situated on the slopes of Malabar hill offering a panoramic view of Marine drive
and Chowpati beach, Prince of Wales museum, Mani Bhawan, Dhobi ghat,
Gateway of India and drive through the Crawford market, Marine Drive and
Flora Fountain. Overnight at the hotel.
Udaipur – Arrive Udaipur and check into your hotel – SHIKARBADI. Lunch will
be on own and then we will take you for a short sightseeing tour visiting the City
palace, Jagdish Temple – dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and Saheliyon – ki – Bari –
the gardens of the maids – of – honor. Dinner (on own) and overnight at the
hotel.
An early breakfast (on own) at the hotel and then we drive you to Chittaugarh –
located 110 kms. from Udaipur. The main attraction here is the Chittaugarh Fort.
Believed to have been built by Mori Rulers in the 7th century, this fort is located
on a 180 metre high hill covering an area of 700 acres.
Lunch will be on own at a local restaurant in Chittaugarh and then return back to
Udaipur…
Jodhpur
Sightseeing in town. Lunch at Umadi Bhawan Palace Hotel, originally the Royal
Palace of the Maharajas of Jodhpur. Evening tea and dinner on board. Jodhpur,
the southernmost of the legendary cities of the desert was built by Rao Jodha in
1459 on the advice of a hermit. The high walls of the massive fort form a
delightful contrast to the elegant sandstone facades with their fine carvings
inside the palace. Opposite the fort lies Jaswant Thada, a memorial made of
white marble, which was erected in 1899 to the memory of Jaswant Singh I.
Jaipur
Jaipur the Pink city so named after the pink hued stone used in all the buildings.
Visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) an elaborate building encrusted with
delicate honeycomb screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies,
confined to their quarters, could view the world outside.
Jai Singh’s
Observatory built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who was also
soldier, astronomer and builder. The City Palace now a museum displaying fine
Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare manuscripts, royal costumes and an armoury.
Agra : TAJ MAHAL
Visit the Taj Mahal - the greatest love story ever told. On the death of his beloved
wife Mumtaz Mahal, in wild extravagance, Shah Jehan built her this memorial.
20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this poem of white marble and
precious stone.
Visit the Agra Fort - behind its foreboding red sandstone embattlements lie
impressive buildings that recount the story of the Mughal Empire. Therein are the
Dewan-e-Am, where the Emperor sat on his throne to dispense to his subjects and
the Dewan-e-Khas where he received foreign dignitaries. Visit the marble inlay
works --an atelier cum showroom. The art is passed down from father to son over
centuries. Replicas of the exquisite workmanship of pietra-dura on the Taj Mahal are
reproduced on tabletops, marble boxes, lampshades, plaques and a wide variety of
artefacts. An opportunity to watch the workman displaying their skills as they set
carnelian, malachite, lapis – lazuli, agate and other semi-precious stones into
marble.
Delhi
Delhi is a combination of eight cities established early as 900 BC to 1930.
Vintage Delhi is a colourful pageant of Indian history. Dynasties succeeded
dynasties and the royal rule continued. Succeeding emperors built massive forts
and palaces. Then the great monarch of the 17th century, Shah Jehan moved his
capital from Agra to Delhi & commissioned a new capital --the city of Shahjehanabad. It was then that the Red Fort came into being and with it. Chandi Chowk with
its maze of streets and fountains;the Jama Masjid, the most majestic of mosques.
Later Aurangzeb built the Pearl Mosque within the fort.
The British added yet another city - New Delhi, the present seat of administration
was the dream of the British architect Edwin Lutyen’s. This Indo-Saracenic style is a
perfect blend of eastern extravagance and western constraint.
OLD DELHI - the 300-year-old walled city built by Emperor Shah Jehan in 1648 as
his capital and named after him. The magnificent Red Fort built of red sandstone
within whose walls are marble palaces and two grand chambers-the Diwan-i-Khasthe hall of private audience & the Diwan-i- Am –the hall of public audience. Here
the Moghul Emperors held court and this is where the Peacock Throne once stood.
Opposite the fort is the majestic Jama Masjid, with its black & white dome &
towering minarets. Climb up the steps to the vast marble courtyard where the
“namaaz” (prayers) are conducted 5 times a day. Drive past the Kotla Firoze Shah,
ruins of an old fort-4th C, see the Ashokan Pillar of 3rd BC.
Visit Raj Ghat the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi on that fateful day of January
30th1948. Serene gardens surround the black granite slab on which, are mounted in
brass his last words “ Hey Ram!” Oh God
Drive through the old city subject to traffic restrictions.
NEW DELHI- the new capital designed by Sir Edward Lutyens. Drive down the
main avenue, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch- the India
Gate, pass the Presidential Palace-the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the secretariat
buildings - the centre of all government activity.
Visit Humayun’s Tomb built in 1565 AD by his grieving widow Haji Begum, the
Qutub Minar, 72 metres high.In its grounds are the ruins of Quwat-ul-Eslam (Light
of Islam) Mosque and Delhi’s most curious antique, the uncoroded Iron Pillar,
which dates back to the 4th century AD. Visit the Birla (Laxmi Narayan) Temple,
with its profusion of Gods & Goddess from the Hindu pantheon.
(Due to traffic restrictions a drive through Connaught Place/Circus and Chandni
Chowk is not possible).
(Extn. – Khajuraho – Varanasi)
SUGGESTED TAMIL NADU ITINERARY
CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM – KANCHIPURAM – MADURAI (4 NIGHTS / 5
DAYS)
DAY 1:
CHENNAI
Touchdown at Chennai Airport. Checkin to Taj Coromandel Hotel OR Taj
Connemara
Morning:
Is at leisure
Afternoon: Proceed on a visit of Chennai
Start the tour with a visit of Fort St. George, which is presently the Secretariat
and the Legislative Assembly. The museum within has a fascinating collection
of memorabilia from the days of the East India Company of the British Raj.
Around the walls hang many paintings of Fort St. George's Governors and
other officials of the British regime. Visit St. Mary's Church built in 1678 and was
the first English Church and is the today the oldest surviving British construction
in India. Robert Clive was married here in 1753, as well as Elihu Yale, one of
the governors of Chennai who subsequently founded the famous university
bearing the name in the USA. Visit the High Court building, which is said to be
largest judicial building in the world after the courts of London. Visit the
Government Museum and Art Gallery in which the Archeological section and
the Bronze Gallery are most interesting. This building originally belonged to a
group of eminent British citizens known as the Pantheon committee who were
charged with improving the social life of the British in Chennai. Drive on to the
Kapaleshwara Temple, which is a Shiva Temple. Drive past the Marina Beach,
which is said to be the second longest in the world.
Overnight at Taj Coromandel or Taj Connemara Hotel
DAY 2:
CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM
Morning:
Drive to Mahabalipuram (50 kms/ 1 hr 30 mins.), the dream world
of Tamil art that awes even the uninitiated. Here is an open-air museum of
sculpture in living rock, which has no parallel in the world. The piece-deresistance of this monumental art exhibition is undoubtedly Arjuna’s Penance
or the Descent of the Ganga, the world’s largest bas-relief, 764 ft by 288 ft
and one of the major masterpieces of Indian art. It is a beautiful composition
of hundreds of celestial beings, humans and animals, all hurrying to a natural
rock cleft that divides the giant stone canvas. Dominating the scene is a 16 ft
long elephant leading a procession of elephants to the scene of the
penance by the cleft, where Arjuna stands on one leg to propitiate Lord
Shiva to help him win back the Pandava kingdom.
Proceed toward the Shore Temple, which is the best-known landmark of
Mahabalipuram. Standing by the sea, this twin-spire is pure poetry in granite
in its perfect proportions and wealth of sculpture. It is also unique in that it
includes shrines for both Shiva and Vishnu in repose.
Also visit the other wonders at Mahabalipuram, which are the Mandapams,
where each cave is scooped from a hillside of solid rock and ornamented
with pillars and sculptured panels that are an integral part of the excavation,
and the five rathams, monolithic rock-cut shrines that have inspired
generations of South Indian temple builders. Overnight at Fisherman’s Cove.
DAY 3:
MAHABALIPURAM - KANCHIPURAM – CHENNAI
Afternoon: After lunch at Fisherman’s Cove, drive to Kanchipuram (86 kms / 1
½ hrs) the “golden town of a thousand temples” which has about 125
officially recognized shrines, all of them centuries old. Dating back to the
Cholas of 200 BC, Kanchipuram was successively the capital of the Cholas,
the Pallavas and the Rayas of Vijayanagara.
Suggest a stop at the Kailashnath Temple, which is over 1,000 years old and is
a Pallava creation dedicated to Lord Shiva. The narrow cells linking its
courtyards have paintings and sculptures dating back to the 7th and 8th
centuries, narrating the story of Shiva. Proceed to visit Ekambareswar Temple
which is a fairly new temple dating back to the 16th century. It is the largest of
the Shiva temples and sprawls over 20 acres and more. It has a magnificent
100-pillared hall and a towering Gopuram at almost 6000 feet it is one of the
tallest in South India. Our last stop is a the Varadarajaswamy Temple with
beautiful pavilions in its courtyard, a splendid 100 pillars hall that is a work of
art and a 100 foot tall seven storey Gopuram of rare beauty. Some of the
most beautiful sculptures in all Kanchipuram are found in this temple
Later return to Chennai (68 kms/2 hrs) OR Overnight at Fisherman’s Cove.
Dinner at the hotel
DAY 4:
CHENNAI – MADURAI
Morning:
Fly Chennai / Madurai (depending on flight visit)
Afternoon: Check-in to the Taj Garden Retreat, Madurai
Late evening, proceed to the Meenakshi Temple to witness the night temple
ceremony, which starts at 2100 hrs. The Meenakshi temple is probably the
biggest in India. It is believed that there are 33 million sculptures in the temple.
The main deity in this temple is not Shiva, but his consort Meenakshi.
Overnight at Taj Garden Retreat, Madurai
DAY 5:
MADURAI
Morning: A visit to the fascinating fruit, flower and vegetable market.
OTHER SUGGESTED ROUTES
From Madurai a visit to Kerala – God’s Own Country (refer Kerala itineraries).
From Kerala a visit Northwards to Karnataka (refer Karnataka itineraries)
SUGGESTED KARNATAKA ITINERARY
CHENNAI – COVELONG – CHENNAI – MADURAI – THEKKADY – KUMARAKOM –
COCHIN - BANGALORE – MYSORE – CHIKMAGALUR – MYSORE –OOTY –
COONOOR - BANGALORE/CHENNAI/MUMBAI
DAY 1
COCHIN - BANGALORE
Morning: Transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangalore. On arrival at
Bangalore check-in to Taj West End or Taj Residency. After breakfast,
proceed for a visit of Bangalore
Your visit of Bangalore begins with a visit to the building which houses the
Secretariat and the State Legislature, drive to the Cubbon Park, which was
laid out in 1864. Visit the Government museum one of the oldest in India
established in 1886. Drive on to the Botanical Gardens, which contains many
centuries’ old trees, lakes and ponds, and has one of the largest collection of
rare tropical and sub - tropical plants in India. Visit the Bull Temple, one of
Bangalore's oldest temples which contains a huge monolithic statue of the
Nandi Bull.
Afternoon: After lunch at your hotel and a short siesta, set out to explore
Bangalore – the city of Gardens. Proceed on a shopping spree and later in
the evening set out to experience the night-life of this charming city.
DAY 2
BANGALORE - CHIKMAGALUR
Morning:
An early breakfast in Bangalore and then a 5-hour drive to
Chikmagalur. Perched on the gentle slopes of the Sahyadri Range, the Taj
Garden Retreat is just 6 km. from the coffee town of Chikmagalur. A holiday
destination bathed in verdant greenery and punctuated with all the
trimmings of a superb resort.
Afternoon: Drive to visit Belur and Halebid
Belur, situated on the banks of the river Belur used to be the capital of the
Hoysala empire over 800 years ago. Its glorious memories are reflected in the
Chennakeshava Temple built in 1116 AD and it took 103 years to complete.
The façade of the building is intricately carved with sculptures and friezes and
the inside is even more richly carved on its panels and pillars. Around the
base are the carvings of 650 elephants, each in a different size. If you were to
insert a thread into the pupil of an eye on one of the sculptures, it would
emerge through the nose. If you were to suspend a taut string from the
forehead of a dancer it will fall straight to an uplifted toe. The temple was
built to commemorate a Hoysala king’s victory in battle. The Veeranarayan
Temple close by has exquisite carvings of various Hindu Gods. Around the
temple are several shrines.
Halebid - literally means "old capital" which it was during the reign of the
Hoysalas at which time it was known as Dwarasamudram or "gateway to the
sea". After it was sacked by the Delhi Sultanate it came to be know as
Halebid. The magnificent Hoysaleswara Temple is very similar to the one at
Belur. A Nandi bull, the mount of Lord Shiva, stands guard at the entrance.
This temple is about 800 years old. Overnight at Taj Garden Retreat,
Chikmagalur.
DAY 3
MYSORE
Morning:
After an early breakfast frive on to Mysore (115 kms / 3 ½ hours).
Visit of the City Palace and Museum, Chamundi Hill. City tour will include a
visit to the Maharaja’s Palace topped with a shining brass - plated dome
surmounting a single tower. Designed by Henry Irwin, the British consultant
architect of Madras state, it was completed in 1912. Nearby, behind the main
palace building but within the same compound, a small museum run by the
royal family shows paintings from the Thanjavur and Mysore schools, some
inlaid with precious stones and gold leaf. Continue to Chamundi Hill, which is
topped with a 12th Century temple of Durga, or the Goddess of Chamundi,
the figure of which is in solid gold. The magnificent 5 metre Nandi, carved
from a single piece of granite in 1659, is one of the largest in India. Visit the
Devaraja market, one of India’s most colorful fruit and vegetable markets.
Afternoon: Proceed on a tour of Srirangapatnam and Somnathpur
At Srirangapatna, 14 kms from Mysore, stand the ruins of Hyder Ali and Tipu
Sultan's capital from which they ruled much of south India during the 18th
century. The extensive ramparts and battlements and some gates still stand.
The dungeon where Tipu held some British prisoners is still preserved. Within the
fortress walls, is a mosque and a temple that has a black stone image of the
sleeping Vishnu. Close by is Tipu's summer palace which is now a museum
and his mausoleum.
We proceed to Somnathpur to see the Prasanna Cheennakesava Temple
built in 1268 AD. The walls of the star - shaped temple are covered with
superb sculptures from the epics Mahabharata, Ramayana and the holy
book of the Hindus, the Bhagavadgita. Overnight at Mysore.
DAY 4
MYSORE – OOTY
Morning:
After breakfast, drive to Ooty (158 km/ 6 hrs)
The Nilgiri Hills are a captivating terrain where Ooty, a hill station founded by the
British in the early part of the 19th century to serve as the summer headquarters
of the Government of Chennai, is perched at an altitude of 2286 m. Famed for
its salubrious climate, it boasts of a botanical garden and & pretty English styled
cottages. Founded in 1819 by John Sullivan, the former Collector of Coimbatore
who was the first European to build his house there, Ooty continues to retain
some of the old world charm. Landscaped over 22 hectares, its Botanical
Gardens (laid out 120 years ago) are covered with blossoming trees, shrubs and
colorful flowerbeds. There is a fossilized tree, a crescent shaped lily pond, a
bandstand, a conservatory and fountain terraces. On the top of the slope is a
Toda village where the tribe & their art of weaving is preserved Miles of
undulating green downs offer golf or just the pleasure of a walk. The main
reminders of the British period, are the stone churches, the Botancial Gardens
and a boarding school for boys. The best way to explore Ooty is on foot. There
are a number of long walks, and some superb views. The town’s general
approach is a strange combination of Southern England and Australia with
single - storied stone cottages, fenced flower gardens, winding lanes with tall
Eucalyptus trees. Many areas and roads still have British names such as Charing
Cross, Love Dale.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Savoy Hotel.
DAY 5
OOTY – COONOOR
Morning:
Drive to Coonoor. Check-in to the Taj Garden Retreat, Coonoor.
Afternoon: After lunch a short tour around this scenic hill-station. Coonoor is
surrounded by hills and slopes of tea with old colonial houses. Tea auctions
are held here. Visit Sim's park, the lake, the waterfall, the Tiger Rock peak,
various picnic spots and walk through mountain trails. At leisure visit a tea
estate and also see the views from Lady Canning’s Seat and Dolphins Nose.
From Coonoor it is possible to ride the narrow gauge Nilgiri Blue Mountain
train down to Mettupalayam. Overnight at Taj Garden Retreat, Coonoor.
Day 6
Morning:
OOTY – BANGALORE
Drive to Bangalore (5 hrs. / 220 kms.)
Overnight in Bangalore or transfer to Mumbai / Delhi for
International return flight.
OTHER SUGGESTED ROUTES
From Mumbai a visit to Goa
From Mumbai a visit to North India (Udaipur – Jodhpur – Jaipur – Agra – Delhi)
From Delhi a visit to Jaipur – Agra – Khajuraho – Varanasi
Rimjhim Sinha Sales Manager The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel Mumbai +91 22 6665 1052 [email protected] www.tajhotels.com